oblige \ə-ˈblīj\ verb obliged; oblig•ing [Middle English, from Old French obliger, from Latin obligare, literally, to bind to, from ob- toward + ligare to bind — more at LIGATURE] (14th century) transitive verb 1 : to constrain by physical, moral, or legal force or by the exigencies of circumstance 〈obliged to find a job〉 2 a : to put in one’s debt by a favor or service 〈we are much obliged for your help〉 b : to do a favor for 〈always ready to oblige a friend〉 intransitive verb : to do something